Archive for July, 2007

I still remember that hot day in the summer of 1994 when Jordan’s King Hussein signed the peace treaty with

Israel’s Yitshaq Rabin in Wadi Araba. I had gone down to cover the event and remember Buthina Duqmaq of the Mandella Institute for political prisoners reminding me that a number of Jordanian prisoners were still held in Israeli jails even though the two countries were signing a peace agreement.

The July 4th reception at the US consulate in west Jerusalem is always a unique event. This is probably the only place that you will see Israelis and Palestinians mingling freely. While the majority of Israeli officials attend the Tel Aviv party,

Jerusalem’s event is largely attended by Palestinians, Israeli local officials, NGOs and some journalists as well as American citizens who live in the city. Religious leaders with their colorful gowns and head covering are also plentiful.Continue Reading »

My professional colleague Ayman Bardawil who was born and raised in the southern Gaza strip town of Rafah has been living in Ramallah ever since he attended Bir Zeit

University where he got his civil engineering degree. In the past ten years Ayman, who has worked in television and specifically in animation, has visited his parents, siblings family and friends less than the fingers of his artistic hands. His request from the Israelis to visit
Gaza were often rejected ‘because there is no compelling humanitarian reason.” When Ayman’s father lay terminally sick he did get a permission to visit. A day after he returned to Ramallah after his permit expired his father died and he was unable to travel. Ayman has since moved to Jordan but now instead of his wish to visit his family, his mother is looking for ways to escape
Gaza.